China tours & travel

Once a dazzling empire, today a neon-lit super state, mighty China is as fascinating as ever.

Nowhere on earth will you feel more anonymous than in the streets of Beijing, and few places will inspire as much awe as Tiananmen Square. The Great Wall of China was the first manmade construction visible from outer space, and the country lays claim to some of the highest peaks on earth. This is one place that’ll make you feel small.

What people say

China is everything you read and more. It is truly overwhelming in its culture and sights. The food is fresh and excellent quality.

What people say

There was a lot of walking and climbing stairs in China, we had a great group and all got on well. This trip had the three things on my bucket list The Great wall of China, Yangtze river and the terracotta warriors.

Local culture of China

Local culture of China

China’s culture and customs can seem perplexing to travellers, but this is what makes them so interesting and exciting. This modern day communist state clings staunchly to the past, while at the same time striving for greater technology. It’s not uncommon to see heritage-listed temples and pioneering skyscrapers sitting side by side in places like Beijing and Shanghai. While the majority of Chinese are nonreligious, the mythology of ancient China lives on in their stories, art and dance. China is the birthplace of martial arts, Eastern philosophy and many of the world’s greatest innovations.

Geography & environment

Geography & environment

China is one of the top five largest countries on earth. It’s no surprise that its terrain covers a diversity of landscapes: from dizzying mountains to hostile deserts, endless grasslands, and rivers that lace the land like veins. China is little known for its idyllic coasts and pristine jungles, which are highlights of the country’s geography. Biologists have classed China as a megadiverse zone for its prolific wildlife and flora. China’s most precious animal, the giant panda, is a global symbol of conservation.

Shopping guide to China

Shopping guide to China

China offers a plethora of shopping opportunities across a range of high-end items to disposable trinkets. You’ll find overwhelming malls in Beijing, boutique shopping districts in Shanghai, and modest markets selling handicraft in the countryside. Just some of China’s highly prized goods include exquisite silk shawls, scarves and fabric, customised Chinese calligraphy written by an expert, paper art and Chinese knots. For other items such as wooden boxes and statuettes, check with customs before bringing them home with you.

China festival calendar

China festival calendar

Chinese New Year

It’s the lunar New Year and referred to as the spring festival in China, and one of the biggest celebrations in the world. If you’re traveling through China during this time, prepare for gobsmacking fireworks displays, irresistible feasts and parades that’ll put mardi gras to shame.

Dragon Boat Festival

Named for the masculine energies that it calls upon, the Dragon Boat or Duanwu Festival is held on the date when the sun is at its strongest. At this time of year, people eat sticky rice treats, drinking traditional wine and racing in dragon boats.

Xi’an Ancient Culture and Arts Festival

This special cultural festival draws Chinese performers from across the globe into the city of Xi’an. The performances include walking on stilts, folk music and drumming, age-old dance and historical re-enactments.

Food & drink in China

Food & drink in China

The local cuisine never fails to delight travellers on their China tours. The audacious blend of flavours and spices plus the sheer diversity of culinary traditions, makes the world of Chinese food a treasure trove of taste. Eschew safe choices like lemon chicken, dumplings and chop suey, and launch into more exotic treats like chow mai fun, bon bon chicken and slow-cooked beef brisket. From the eye-wateringly good spicy Sichuan dishes to the light sweet tastes of Fujian cooking, Chinese cuisine is too diverse to touch on here.

Further reading

Further reading

The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones

River Town by Peter Hessler

The Painted Veil by Somerset Maugham

Wild Swans by Jung Chang

The Last Days of Old Beijing by Michael Meyer

Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin

Leaving Mother Lake by Yang Erche Namu

China travel FAQs

All nationalities except for Singaporean, Bruneian and Japanese, require a visa in advance. Visas will not be issued at the airport or border but need to be obtained with an application from for a single entry visa. Contact your local embassy or consulate to arrange the application. You’ll need to provide your dates, hotel booking and other travel information in the application.

On Mainland China, tipping isn’t customary but it is slowly becoming more commonplace. Feel free to leave extra change if the service has been good. If the restaurant includes a surcharge with the bill, there’s no need to tip extra.

In Hong Kong on the other hand, tipping is expected for services like taxi rides, porters and at restaurants.

Most toilets in China are squat toilets, however you may find Western-style toilets in hotels and high-end restaurants. You may like to carry some soap and toilet paper with you in places where they may not be provided.

Drinking tap water is not considered safe in China. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you.